When does cyanosis occur in asphyxia/strangulation victims?

Question

Does it even happen in strangulation vics, or only asphyxiation? Is it immediately obvious post mortem, or how long dies it take to appear? I'm in the middle of moving and my Forensic path. text is packed. Darn it. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

It appears in both, and is immediately obvious. In fact, cyanosis occurs while the victim is still alive. A person suffering asphyxia (such as a premature baby) exhibits cyanosis as a recognizable symptom. In a strangulation victim, cyanosis occurs once sufficient pressure has been applied for about twenty seconds (especially in ligature strangulation).